Ayurveda means “the science of life”. It is an ancient system of healing that focuses on the complete person which includes the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda defines wellness not as “the absence of defined disease” but when all bodily tissues, organs, systems and functions are acting together in a balanced way and are able to maintain health and wellness in spite of potential illness causing influences. People are more vulnerable to developing pathological illness or disease when vital energies of the mind, body and spirit are disrupted and out of balance. This results in a weakened immune system. Ayurveda believes that by balancing the various mind-body functions, the natural intelligence of the body will automatically bring itself to wellness.

Ayurveda is complimentary to and supportive of traditional western medicine and as practiced in the United States, does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Traditional medicine usually attempts to restore health by treating the symptoms of the body or by attacking the disease, and usually uses artificial drugs and medicines which often have various negative side effects. Also, traditional western medicine typically applies the same treatment to a given set of symptoms based on scientific studies.

Ayurveda recognizes that each person is different and has a unique mind-body constitution. Ayurveda identifies the various components of an individual’s constitution, determines where imbalances and disturbances exist, and provides education, guidance and a plan for helping the individual bring about their own improvements in health and wellness.

Using natural processes and methods whenever possible, Ayurveda helps individuals bring about balance to their own constitution by learning how to improve lifestyle practices. Ayurvedic practices focus on clearing disturbances and balancing metabolic and energetic patterns that support constitutional resilience. It is the individual’s implementation of the right Ayurvedic practices that brings about balance and wellness.

Ayurveda is currently considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States by the National Institute of Health Office of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It is not licensed by the state of Colorado as a medical discipline or practice.

Text courtesy of the Ayurvedic Institute by permission.